Volvo XC90 (2021 year). Manual in english - page 3

||

SAFETY

60

NOTE

When the ignition is switched on, the
OWS indicator light will illuminate for sev-
eral seconds while the system performs a
self-diagnostic test.

However, if a fault is detected in the system:

•

The OWS indicator light will stay on

•

The SRS warning light will come on and
stay on and a text message will be dis-
played.

WARNING

If a fault in the system is detected and indi-

cated as described, be aware that the pas-

senger's side front airbag will not deploy in

the event of a collision. In this case, the

SRS system and Occupant Weight Sensor

should be inspected by a trained and quali-

fied Volvo service technician as soon as

possible.

WARNING

•

Never try to open, remove or repair any
components in the OWS system. This
could cause the system to malfunction.
Maintenance or repairs should only be
carried out by an a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician.

•

The front passenger's seat should not
be modified in any way. This could
reduce pressure on the seat cushion,
which might interfere with the OWS
system's function.

Passeng-
er's seat
occupancy
status

OWS indi-
cator light
status

Passenger's
side front
airbag sta-
tus

Seat unoccu-
pied

OWS indi-
cator light
lights up

Passenger's
side front air-
bag disabled

Seat occu-
pied by low
weight occu-
pant/object

A

OWS indi-
cator light
lights up

Passenger's
side front air-
bag disabled

Seat occu-
pied by
heavy occu-
pant/object

OWS indi-
cator light
is 

not

 lit

Passenger's
side front air-
bag enabled

A

Volvo recommends that children always be properly

restrained in appropriate child restraints in the rear seats.

Do not assume that the passenger's side front airbag is dis-

abled unless the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

is lit. Make sure the child restraint is properly installed. If

there is any doubt as to the status of the passenger's side

front airbag, move the child restraint to the rear seat.

The OWS is designed to enable (may inflate)
the passenger's side front airbag in the event
of a collision anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting properly in the
front passenger's seat. The PASSENGER AIR-
BAG OFF indicator lamp will be off and
remain off.

If a person of adult size is sitting in the front
passenger's seat, but the PASSENGER AIR-

SAFETY

}}

61

BAG OFF indicator lamp is on, it is possible
that the person isn't sitting properly in the
seat. If this happens:

•

Turn the vehicle off and ask the person to
place the backrest in an upright position.

•

Have the person sit upright in the seat,
centered on the seat cushion, with the
person's legs comfortably extended.

•

Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for about two
minutes. This will allow the system to
detect that person and enable the pas-
senger's frontal airbag.

•

If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indica-
tor lamp remains on even after this, the
person should be advised to ride in the
rear seat.

This indicates limitations in OWS classifica-
tion capability. It does not indicate OWS mal-
function.

Modifications

If you are considering modifying your vehicle
in any way to accommodate a disability, for
example by altering or adapting the driver's or
front passenger's seat(s) and/or airbag sys-
tems, please contact Volvo at:

In the United States

Volvo Car USA, LLC

Customer Care Center

1 Volvo Drive

P.O. Box 914

Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647

1-800-458-1552

In Canada

Volvo Car Canada Ltd.

Customer Care Centre

9130 Leslie Street, Suite 101

Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 0B9

1-800-663-8255

WARNING

•

No objects that add to the total weight
on the seat should be placed on the
front passenger's seat. If a child is
seated in the front passenger's seat
with any additional weight, this extra
weight could cause the OWS system
to enable the airbag, which might
cause it to deploy in the event of a col-
lision, thereby injuring the child.

•

The seat belt should never be wrapped
around an object on the front passeng-
er's seat. This could interfere with the
OWS system's function.

•

The front passenger's seat belt should
never be used in a way that exerts
more pressure on the passenger than
normal. This could increase the pres-
sure exerted on the weight sensor by a
child, and could result in the airbag
being enabled, which might cause it to
deploy in the event of a collision,
thereby injuring the child.

||

SAFETY

62

WARNING

•

Keep the following points in mind with
respect to the OWS system. Failure to
follow these instructions could
adversely affect the system's function
and result in serious injury to the occu-
pant of the front passenger's seat.

•

The full weight of the front seat pas-
senger should always be on the seat
cushion. The passenger should never
lift him/herself off the seat cushion
using the armrest in the door or the
center console, by pressing the feet on
the floor, by sitting on the edge of the
seat cushion, or by pressing against
the backrest in a way that reduces
pressure on the seat cushion. This
could cause OWS to disable the front,
passenger's side airbag.

WARNING

•

Do not place any type of object on the
front passenger's seat in such a way
that jamming, pressing, or squeezing
occurs between the object and the
front seat, other than as a direct result
of the correct use of the Automatic
Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking
Retractor (ALR/ELR) seat belt.

•

No objects should be placed under the
front passenger's seat. This could inter-
fere with the OWS system's function.

Related information

•

Driver/passenger side front airbags (p. 56)

Side airbags

The side airbags, on the driver's and passen-
ger sides, protect the chest and hip in a colli-
sion.

The side airbags are located in the front seats'
outer backrest frames and help protect the
driver and front seat passenger.

A collision of a sufficiently violent force will
trigger the sensors and one or more side air-
bags will inflate. The side airbags inflate
between the seat occupant and the door panel
to help cushion the initial impact of the colli-
sion. The airbag deflates when compressed by
the collision. The side airbags are normally
only deployed on the side of the vehicle
impacted by the collision.

SAFETY

}}

63

WARNING

Volvo recommends contacting an author-

ized Volvo workshop for repairs. Incorrectly

performed repairs to the side airbag sys-

tem could impair function and lead to seri-

ous injury.

WARNING

Do not place any objects in the area

between the outer edges of the seats and

the door panels, as this could impair the

function of the side airbags.
Volvo recommends only using seat covers

approved by Volvo. Other seat covers could

prevent the side airbags from functioning

properly.

WARNING

The side airbag is a supplement to the seat

belt. Always wear your seat belt.

Related information

•

Airbags (p. 55)

Inflatable curtain

The inflatable curtain, Inflatable Curtain (IC),
helps to prevent the driver and passengers
from striking their heads on the inside of the
vehicle during a collision.

The inflatable curtains are installed along both
sides of the inside of the roof and help protect
occupants in the vehicle's outer seats. 

IC

AIRBAG

 is embossed on the panels.

A collision of a sufficiently violent force will
trigger the sensors and the inflatable curtain
will inflate.

WARNING

Volvo recommends contacting an author-

ized Volvo workshop for repair. Incorrectly

performed repairs to the inflatable curtain

system could impair function and lead to

serious injury.

WARNING

Never hang or attach heavy objects in the

handle in the ceiling. The hooks are only

intended for lightweight garments (not for

hard objects such as umbrellas).
Never screw or mount anything to the vehi-

cle's headlining, door pillars or side panels.

This could impair the intended protective

properties. Volvo recommends only using

Volvo original parts that are approved for

placement in these areas.

WARNING

If objects are loaded higher than the upper

edge of the side windows, leave a 10 cm

(4 in.) space between the objects and the

window. Objects placed closer to this

could impede the function of the inflatable

curtain concealed inside the headlining.

WARNING

The inflatable curtain is a supplement to

the seat belt. Always wear your seat belt.

||

SAFETY

64

Related information

•

Airbags (p. 55)

Safety mode

Safety mode is a feature that is triggered
after a collision if there is potential damage to
an important function in the vehicle, such as
the fuel lines, sensors for one of the safety
systems, the brake system, etc.

If the vehicle has been involved in a collision,
the text 

Safety mode

 

See Owner's manual

may appear in the instrument panel along with
the warning symbol if the panel is undamaged
and the vehicle's electrical system is intact.
The message indicates that one or more of the
vehicle's functions may be reduced.

WARNING

Never attempt to restart the vehicle if you

smell fuel fumes when the message 

Safety

mode

 

See Owner's manual

 is displayed

in the instrument panel. Leave the vehicle

immediately.

If safety mode has been set, it may be possi-
ble to reset the system in order to start and
move the vehicle a short distance, for exam-
ple, if it is blocking traffic.

WARNING

Never attempt to perform repairs or reset

electrical components on your own after

the vehicle has been in safety mode. This

could result in injury or prevent the vehicle

from functioning properly. Volvo recom-

mends having the vehicle inspected and

reset to normal operating status by an

authorized Volvo workshop after 

Safety

mode

 

See Owner's manual

 has been dis-

played.

WARNING

When the vehicle is in safety mode, it

should not be towed behind another vehi-

cle. It should be towed from the site on a

tow truck. Volvo recommends towing the

vehicle directly to an authorized Volvo

workshop.

Related information

•

Safety (p. 44)

•

Starting and moving the vehicle when it is
in safety mode (p. 65)

•

Recovery (p. 463)

SAFETY

65

Starting and moving the vehicle

when it is in safety mode

If safety mode has been set, it may be possi-
ble to reset the system in order to start and
move the vehicle a short distance, for exam-
ple, if it is blocking traffic.

Starting the vehicle when it is in safety
mode

1. Check the vehicle for damage, particularly

for fuel leakage. Make sure you do not
detect any gasoline fumes.

If the damage to the vehicle is minor and
there is no fuel leakage/fumes, you may
attempt to start the engine.

WARNING

Never attempt to restart the vehicle if you

smell fuel fumes when the message 

Safety

mode

 

See Owner's manual

 is displayed

in the instrument panel. Leave the vehicle

immediately.

2. Switch off the ignition.

3. Then try to start the vehicle.

> The vehicle's electrical system will per-

form a system check and then attempt
to reset to normal operating mode.

CAUTION

If the message 

Safety mode

 

See

Owner's manual

 is still displayed, the

vehicle should not be driven or towed
behind another vehicle. If the vehicle needs
to be moved, it must be towed on a tow
truck. Even if no damage is apparent, there
may be hidden damage that could make
the vehicle impossible to control.

Moving the vehicle when it is in safety
mode

1. If the message 

Normal mode

 

The car is

now in normal mode

 is displayed after

attempting to start the engine, the vehicle
may be moved carefully from its present
position if, for example, it is blocking traf-
fic.

2. Do not move the vehicle farther than abso-

lutely necessary.

WARNING

When the vehicle is in safety mode, it

should not be towed behind another vehi-

cle. It should be towed from the site on a

tow truck. Volvo recommends towing the

vehicle directly to an authorized Volvo

workshop.

Related information

•

Safety mode (p. 64)

•

Starting the vehicle (p. 404)

•

Recovery (p. 463)

SAFETY

66

Child safety

Children should always be seated safely
when traveling in the vehicle.

General information

Volvo recommends the proper use of restraint
systems for all occupants including children.
Remember that, regardless of age and size, a
child should always be properly restrained in a
vehicle.

Your vehicle is also equipped with ISOFIX/
LATCH attachments, which make it more con-
venient to install child seats.

Some restraint systems for children are
designed to be secured in the vehicle by lap
belts or the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.
Such child restraint systems can help protect
children in vehicles in the event of an accident
only if they are used properly. However, chil-
dren could be endangered in a crash if the
child restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle. Failure to follow the installation
instructions for your child restraint can result
in your child striking the vehicle's interior in a
sudden stop.

Holding a child in your arms is NOT a suitable
substitute for a child restraint system. In an
accident, a child held in a person's arms can
be crushed between the vehicle's interior and
an unrestrained person. The child could also
be injured by striking the interior, or by being

ejected from the vehicle during a sudden
maneuver or impact. The same can also hap-
pen if the infant or child rides unrestrained on
the seat. Other occupants should also be
properly restrained to help reduce the chance
of injuring or increasing the injury of a child.

All states and provinces have legislation gov-
erning how and where children should be car-
ried in a vehicle. Find out the regulations exist-
ing in your state or province. Recent accident
statistics have shown that children are safer in
rear seating positions than front seating posi-
tions when properly restrained. A child
restraint system can help protect a child in a
vehicle. Here's what to look for when selecting
a child restraint system:

It should have a label certifying that it meets
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS 213) - or in Canada,
CMVSS 213.

Make sure the child restraint system is
approved for the child's height, weight and
development - the label required by the stand-
ard or regulation, or instructions for infant
restraints, typically provide this information.

In using any child restraint system, we urge
you to carefully look over the instructions that
are provided with the restraint. Be sure you
understand them and can use the device prop-
erly and safely in this vehicle. A misused child
restraint system can result in increased inju-

ries for both the infant or child and other occu-
pants in the vehicle.

When a child has outgrown the child safety
seat, you should use the rear seat with the
standard seat belt fastened. The best way to
help protect the child here is to place the child
on a cushion so that the seat belt is properly
located on the hips. Legislation in your state or
province may mandate the use of a child seat
or cushion in combination with the seat belt,
depending on the child's age and/or size.
Please check local regulations.

A specially designed and tested booster cush-
ion and backrest can be obtained from your
Volvo retailer. See also the article "Integrated
booster cushion."

SAFETY

67

WARNING

•

Do not use child safety seats or child
booster cushions/backrests in the front
passenger's seat. We also recommend
that children under 140 cm (4 feet
7 inches) in height who have outgrown
these devices sit in the rear seat with
the seat belt fastened.

•

On hot days, the temperature in the
vehicle interior can rise very quickly.
Exposure to these high temperatures
for even a short period of time can
cause heat-related injury or death.
Small children are particularly at risk.
Never leave children unattended in a
vehicle.

Child seats should always be registered.

Volvo's recommendations

Why does Volvo believe that no child should
sit in the front seat of a vehicle? It's quite sim-
ple really. A front airbag is a very powerful
device designed, by law, to help protect an
adult.

Because of the size of the airbag and its speed
of inflation, a child should never be placed in
the front seat, even if he or she is properly bel-
ted or strapped into a child safety seat. Volvo
has been an innovator in the field of safety
since it was founded. And we have no inten-

tion of resting on our laurels. But we need
your help. Please remember to put your chil-
dren in the back seat, and buckle them up.

WARNING

A child restraint should never be reused if:

•

The vehicle has been involved in a colli-
sion, no matter how minor

•

Its history is unknown

•

It is older than the manufacturer's expi-
ration date

Volvo has some very specific
recommendations

•

Always wear your seat belt.

•

Airbags are a SUPPLEMENTAL safety
device which, when used with a three-
point seat belt can help reduce serious
injuries during certain types of accidents.
Volvo recommends that you do not dis-
connect the airbag system in your vehicle.

•

Volvo strongly recommends that everyone
in the vehicle be properly restrained.

•

Volvo recommends that ALL occupants
(adults and children) shorter than 140 cm
(4 feet 7 inches) be seated in the rear seat
of any vehicle with a front passenger side
airbag.

•

Drive safely!

Related information

•

Safety (p. 44)

•

Child restraints (p. 68)

•

Activating and deactivating child locks
(p. 271)

SAFETY

68

Child restraints

Suitable child restraints should always be
used when children travel in the vehicle.

Child restraint systems

Infant seat

There are three main types of child restraint
systems: infant seats, convertible seats and
booster cushions. They are classified accord-
ing to the child's age and size.

The child restraint should be secured using a
three-point seat belt, ISOFIX/LATCH anchors
or top tether anchors.

Convertible seat

WARNING

A child seat should never be used in the

front passenger seat of any vehicle with a

front passenger airbag - not even if the

"Passenger airbag off" symbol near the

rear-view mirror is illuminated. If the

severity of an accident were to cause the

airbag to inflate, this could lead to serious

injury or death to a child seated in this

position.

Booster cushion

WARNING

Always refer to the child restraint manufac-

turer's instructions for detailed information

on securing the restraint.

SAFETY

* Option/accessory.

69

WARNING

•

When not in use, keep the child
restraint system secured or remove it
from the passenger compartment to
help prevent it from injuring passen-
gers in the event of a sudden stop or
collision.

•

A small child's head represents a con-
siderable part of its total weight and its
neck is still very weak. Volvo recom-
mends that children up to age 4 travel,
properly restrained, facing rearward. In
addition, Volvo recommends that chil-
dren should ride rearward facing, prop-
erly restrained, as long as possible.

NOTE

Prolonged installation and use of the child
restraint may damage the vehicle's interior.
Volvo recommends using the kick guard
accessory to help protect the vehicle's
interior.

Automatic Locking Retractor/
Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/
ELR)

To make child seat installation easier, each
seat belt (except for the driver's belt) is equip-
ped with a locking mechanism to help keep
the seat belt taut.

When attaching the seat belt to a child
seat:

1. Attach the seat belt to the child seat

according to the child seat manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Pull the seat belt out as far as possible.

3. Insert the seat belt latch plate into the

buckle (lock) in the usual way.

4. Release the seat belt and pull it taut

around the child seat.

A sound from the seat belt retractor will be
audible at this time and is normal. The belt will
now be locked in place. This function is auto-
matically disabled when the seat belt is
unlocked and the belt is fully retracted.

WARNING

Do not use child safety seats or child

booster cushions/backrests in the front

passenger's seat. We also recommend that

children who have outgrown these devices

sit in the rear seat with the seat belt prop-

erly fastened.

Child restraint registration and recalls

Child restraints could be recalled for safety
reasons. You must register your child restraint
to be reached in a recall. To stay informed
about child safety seat recalls, be sure to fill

out and return the registration card that
comes with new child restraints.

Child restraint recall information is readily
available in both the U.S. and Canada. For
recall information in the U.S., call the U.S.
Government's Auto Safety Hotline at
1-800-424-9393 or go to http://www-
odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/
register/childseat/index.cfm. In Canada, visit
Transport Canada's Child Safety website at
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafety/
menu.htm.

Related information

•

Child safety (p. 66)

•

Infant seats (p. 70)

•

Convertible seats (p. 72)

•

Booster cushions (p. 74)

•

Integrated booster cushion

*

 (p. 79)

•

Top tether anchors (p. 75)

•

Lower child seat attachment points
(p. 77)

•

ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchors (p. 78)

SAFETY

70

Infant seats

Suitable child restraints should always be
used when children (depending on their age/
size) are seated in the vehicle.

Securing an infant seat with a seat
belt

Do not place the infant seat in the front passenger's

seat

1. Place the infant seat in the rear seat of the

vehicle.

2. Attach the seat belt to the infant seat

according to the child restraint manufac-
turer's instructions.

Route the seat belt through the infant seat.

WARNING

•

An infant seat must be in the rear-facing
position only.

•

The infant seat should not be positioned
behind the driver's seat unless there is
adequate space for safe installation.

WARNING

A child seat should never be used in the

front passenger seat of any vehicle with a

front passenger airbag - not even if the

"Passenger airbag off" symbol near the

rear-view mirror is illuminated. If the

severity of an accident were to cause the

airbag to inflate, this could lead to serious

injury or death to a child seated in this

position.

3.

Fasten the seat belt.

Fasten the seat belt by inserting the latch
plate into the buckle (lock) until a distinct
click is audible.

SAFETY

}}

71

Pull out the shoulder section of the seat belt.

4. Pull the shoulder section of the seat belt

out as far as possible to activate the belt's
automatic locking function.

NOTE

The locking retractor will automatically
release when the seat belt is unbuckled
and allowed to retract fully.

5. Press the infant seat firmly in place, let the

seat belt retract and pull it taut. A sound
from the seat belt retractor's automatic
locking function will be audible at this time
and is normal. The seat belt should now be
locked in place.

Check that the infant seat is properly secured.

6. Press and pull the infant seat along the

direction of the seat belt to check that it is
properly held in place by the seat belt.

WARNING

It should not be possible to move the child

restraint more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) in any

direction along the seat belt path.

When installing infant seats in the rear seat, Volvo

recommends maintaining a distance of at least

50 mm (2 inches) from the front-most part of the

infant seat to the rearmost part of the seat in front.

The infant seat can be removed by unbuckling
the seat belt and letting it retract completely.

Related information

•

Child restraints (p. 68)

•

Convertible seats (p. 72)

•

Booster cushions (p. 74)

•

Top tether anchors (p. 75)

SAFETY

72

•

Lower child seat attachment points
(p. 77)

•

ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchors (p. 78)

Convertible seats

Suitable child restraints should always be
used when children (depending on their age/
size) are seated in the vehicle.

Securing a convertible seat with a seat
belt

Do not place the convertible seat in the front pas-

senger's seat.

Convertible seats can be used in either a for-
ward or rearward-facing position, depending
on the age and size of the child.

Route the seat belt through the convertible seat.

WARNING

Always use a convertible seat that is suita-

ble for the child's age and size. See the

convertible seat manufacturer's recom-

mendations.

1. Place the convertible seat in the rear seat

of the vehicle.

SAFETY

}}

73

WARNING

•

A small child's head represents a con-
siderable part of its total weight and its
neck is still very weak. Volvo recom-
mends that children up to age 4 travel,
properly restrained, facing rearward. In
addition, Volvo recommends that chil-
dren should ride rearward facing, prop-
erly restrained, as long as possible.

•

Convertible child seats should be instal-
led in the rear seat only.

•

A rear-facing convertible seat should not
be positioned behind the driver's seat
unless there is adequate space for safe
installation.

2. Attach the seat belt to the convertible seat

according to the child restraint manufac-
turer's instructions.

Fasten the seat belt.

3. Fasten the seat belt by inserting the latch

plate into the buckle (lock) until a distinct
click is audible.

4. Pull the shoulder section of the seat belt

out as far as possible to activate the belt's
automatic locking function.

NOTE

The locking retractor will automatically
release when the seat belt is unbuckled
and allowed to retract fully.

5. Press the convertible seat firmly in place,

let the seat belt retract and pull it taut. A
sound from the seat belt retractor's auto-
matic locking function will be audible at
this time and is normal. The seat belt
should now be locked in place.

Pull out the shoulder section of the seat belt.

6. Push and pull the convertible seat along

the seat belt path to ensure that it is held
securely in place by the seat belt.

||

SAFETY

74

WARNING

It should not be possible to move the child

restraint more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) in any

direction along the seat belt path.

The convertible seat can be removed by
unbuckling the seat belt and letting it retract
completely.

Ensure that the convertible seat is securely in place.

WARNING

A child seat should never be used in the

front passenger seat of any vehicle with a

front passenger airbag - not even if the

"Passenger airbag off" symbol near the

rear-view mirror is illuminated. If the

severity of an accident were to cause the

airbag to inflate, this could lead to serious

injury or death to a child seated in this

position.

Related information

•

Child restraints (p. 68)

•

Infant seats (p. 70)

•

Booster cushions (p. 74)

•

Top tether anchors (p. 75)

•

Lower child seat attachment points
(p. 77)

•

ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchors (p. 78)

Booster cushions

Suitable child restraints should always be
used when children (depending on their age/
size) are seated in the vehicle.

Securing a booster cushion

Position the child correctly on the booster cushion.

Booster cushions are recommended for chil-
dren who have outgrown convertible seats.

1. Place the booster cushion in the rear seat

of the vehicle.

2. With the child properly seated on the

booster cushion, attach the seat belt to or
around the cushion according to the man-
ufacturer's instructions.

SAFETY

}}

75

3. Fasten the seat belt by inserting the latch

plate into the buckle (lock) until a distinct
click is audible.

Positioning the seat belt.

4. Ensure that the seat belt is pulled taut and

fits snugly around the child.

WARNING

•

The hip section of the three-point seat
belt must fit snugly across the child's
hips, not across the stomach.

•

The shoulder section of the three-point
seat belt should be positioned across
the chest and shoulder.

•

The shoulder belt must never be placed
behind the child's back or under the
arm.

Related information

•

Child restraints (p. 68)

•

Convertible seats (p. 72)

•

Infant seats (p. 70)

•

Top tether anchors (p. 75)

•

Lower child seat attachment points
(p. 77)

•

ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchors (p. 78)

Top tether anchors

Your Volvo is equipped with child restraint
top tether anchors for all seating positions in
the second row of seats. In vehicles with six
seats, there is a child restraint top tether
anchor on the right-side seat in the third row
of seats. They are located on the rear side of
the backrests.

Child restraint anchorages

Five-seat and seven-seat models: Top tether anchors

and symbols on the rear side of the second row

backrests. There is no symbol for the center anchor

position.